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Sophie POV
It’s crazy how five years can fly by and feel like they’ve crawled at the same time.
It’s been five years since I came out to my family and have had any contact with my parents.
It’s been four years since Ryan and I worked out our tension and realized we were perfect for each other, in all the imperfect ways that mattered and hadn’t looked back, other than to laugh at our younger selves.
Now, seven months after Ryan proposed and we’d agreed that being married was the one thing we both wanted. It was a totally different feeling than the last time I was engaged. My mom had been a large part of why I’d even agreed to marry Tyler and this time … I was certain she wouldn’t even be there. My father had walked me down the aisle and was happy for me, but my last wedding day wasn’t even something I remembered with clarity.
I had to so much that I’d buried as I stood there across from him, I knew it was a mistake and the entire time the pastor was going through the ceremony, I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if I just walked away. If I put a stop to it all, right then and there. I remembered looking at my parents in the first row, tears in mom’s eyes and as I opened my mouth to put a stop to it, the pastor asking if I took Tyler as my husband. I replied automatically as I had practiced in the mirror for the last few weeks and then it was over. I was married to a man, a good man, who loved me, and one I couldn’t muster up any other love for him than that of a good friend.
Walking back down the aisle with his hand in mine, I knew that after lying about my relationship with Kate, it was the biggest mistake I’d ever made.
Exhaling harshly, I looked down at the wedding invitation in my hand that proudly invited our guest to Ryan and my wedding and the guest list in the other. Seeing my parents name on the list of intended recipients made me more than a little sick and I knew it was either Ryan or Jordan’s doing.
I had removed their name from the prospective list when Ryan and I first talked about it. I knew her relationship with Jada had been on her mind before she ultimately decided to leave well enough alone and just focus on the family we’d made.
The wedding itself would be a small ceremony, but as Ryan hadn’t done this before, she decided that she wanted some of the aspects of a bigger wedding; Formal invitations and attire, a venue that was catered towards smaller events, working with the florist and the caterer that would be making our dinner for the reception and the cake with all the crazy tastings to decide what we both loved.
I didn’t have tell her how much I appreciated it since the last time, it was more geared towards what my mom felt I should want than what I actually did, so the “redo” as she called my second go at it, was a lot more enjoyable.
Putting the invitation and guest list down on the dining room table, I leaned back in my chair. The invites were scheduled to be sent in three days, so I needed to decide quick if I wanted to have my parents there. They hadn’t even meet Ryan, and if the radio silence was any indication, their opinion on who I was, hadn’t changed.
Picking up the pen that I had put down, I hovered over their names.
Why did it feel like by crossing out their names I was giving up hope on us ever having a relationship again?
Why wasn’t Ryan here so she could help me sort through my feelings?
Putting the pen back down, I stood and walked out onto the balcony.
Leaning against the railing, I looked out into the fading daylight. Ryan had been called to another Earth to help with some major crisis. She’d been gone for four days, and it felt like a lifetime. It’s been the longest we’d gone without seeing each other since we got together and saying I was missing her would be an understatement. I had no idea how long it would take before she was back, but I really wish one of the prodigies would figure out alternate universe communication outside of the device they used to alert each other help was needed.
I’d assured Ryan, I could and would handle the last-minute details while she was away and I really wanted to, but I couldn’t sign off on the invites with how I was feeling.
Thinking I’d heard something behind me, I turned and waited to see if anything was there or if I was just imaging it.
I took a small step back towards the French doors, I paused as I heard a noise coming from our bedroom. Moving quickly to the safe behind a false cabinet in the kitchen, I grabbed the 9 mm that I stored there.
As I moved towards, the bedroom, I glanced at the front door and saw the lock was still engaged. Feeling a bit uneasy, I steadied my breathing and continued towards the movement with my gun raised. My finger was rest just outside the trigger guard, as I paused just outside the door. I heard the click of the light switch being turned on, easing the door open more, I saw the bathroom door was partially closed and the glow of the light under the door.
I moved quickly to the door then and pushing it open, I yelled, “Don’t move!”
The answering thud and curse had me hesitating slightly. It was just enough time for the curtain to be pulled back and a very naked Ryan to yell back, “What the hell, Soph?! I just dropped a bottle of shampoo on my foot.”
“Ryan?! What the hell are you doing sneaking around the apartment?” I asked, surprised to see her standing there.
“Sneaking? Woman! The portal opened in the bedroom. As I was covered in soot, I figured I’d shower before you yelled at me for tracking a mess through the house again. Why are you pointing a gun at me?” She asked as she reached back to turn off the water.
“What?” I asked, confused, before remembering the gun in my hand was still raised. Dropping my arms, immediately, I said, “I thought you were an intruder. Why would you think I cared about soot when I haven’t seen you in four days?”
“Well, the last time, I came home after fighting Black Glove covered in soot, you yelled at me the entire way to the bathroom with a mop behind me cleaning up the dirt I was tracking in. So, in order to avoid that, especially since I haven’t seen you in a few days, I figured I’d get cleaned up and then come find you. I didn’t hear you when I called out when I came through the portal, so I thought you weren’t here.” Ryan answered as she reached for a towel.
“Oh.” I said, quietly. “I was out on the balcony, and I didn’t hear anything until I heard you move to go into the bathroom.”
“The balcony? What’s wrong?” She asked as she moved closer to me.
I ignored her question and the fact that she was wet and pulled her into my arms. I was lucky to have someone who knew me so well that they could tell my mood based solely on what I did, but right now, I just wanted to hold her.
Leaning down, I rested my forehead against her temple and said, “I missed you. So much.”
“Baby.” She replied simply as she moved to wrap the arm, not holding the towel together, around me. “I missed you too.”
I just enjoyed having her in my arms again and would’ve been content to hold her just like this for the rest of the night, but I felt her shiver against me, and I knew I had to let her go, at least long enough to get dressed.
“Go put on some clothes. I’m going to assume you haven’t eaten, so I’m going to order from your favorite vegan restaurant, and I’ll meet you on the sofa.” I said as I moved us from the bathroom and back into our bedroom.
“Alright. While we wait for the food, you can tell me what’s bothering you.” She stated as she moved towards our closet.
I knew she wasn’t going to let me off the hook that easy.
Going back into the living room, I picked up my phone from the coffee table and placed an order of her favorites and got something for myself from the non-vegan side of the menu. As I sat down, I couldn’t help but love that Ryan had fell in love with the combo restaurant downtown. The two chefs that teamed up and created one restaurant that could cater to both diets were rare.
A few minutes later, Ryan walked out of our room dressed in one of my hoodies and a pair of wool socks. Knowing her, there would only be a small pair of shorts on, since my hoodie was so long on her.
“What’s going on? No more stalling.” Ryan said as she sat down next to me.
“Nothings wrong, really.” I answered.
“Soph.” Ryan urged.
“I’m being honest. I was going over the final list for the invites and saw that my parents name had been added and I knew I didn’t add them. So, it kind of led me down some bothersome thoughts which threw off my mood.” I answered, truthfully.
“I didn’t add them. You told me how you felt about them potentially not coming and I don’t want you having any bad thoughts about our wedding. I swear, the list I sent in didn’t have them.” Ryan stated as she took my hand in hers.
“It was Jordan. I figured it was either you or her, but I was leaning to it being her since she’s been pushing me to reach out to my mom since we got engaged. I told her I didn’t want to do that just for them to ignore me, ignore us, but she’s sneaky enough to have done it.” I replied.
“I’m sorry she did that and I’m sorry that it upset you when I wasn’t here.”
“It’s not your fault. You don’t have to be sorry. I know there are times when the world needs you away from Gotham. I can handle it. It just caught me off guard.”
“Okay. So, we take them off the list and I’ll do whatever I can to distract you from them not being there in a few months.”
“You don’t have to distract me. It’s been five years; I’m not expecting them to suddenly appear and say that it’s all good that I’m gay. Had I known she’d done it, it wouldn’t have caught me like it did, but you’re right. We’ll take them off and I can focus on the fact that in less than three months, you’ll be Mrs. Wilder-Moore.”
Ryan laughed and moved to kiss me, but before our lips could touch, there was a knocking at the door.
“That’ll be the food.” I said, as I got up.
On my way to the door, I stopped by the guest list still on the dining room table. Picking up the pen, I crossed out my parent’s name and then went to go get our dinner.
Time skip: Three months later, The Morning of the Wedding
Ryan POV
“I’m going to need you to calm the hell down. I don’t want to have to explain to Sophie why she isn’t getting married and instead has to visit you in the hospital.” Anissa said as she leaned against the door, I’d just tried to go through in order to see Sophie.
“Look, we agreed on a small ceremony because the number of people we love is small, but I swear to God, if you don’t move so that I can go marry the love of my life, I’m going to hurt you.” I said as I put my hands on my hips.
“Iris.” Anissa said, completely ignoring my threat.
“Ry, it isn’t even time yet. As soon as it is, no one and nothing will stop us from getting you to that aisle so that you can marry Sophie, but you can’t see her before then.” Iris said, calmly walking over to me.
“What if she changed her mind? What if all the time waiting makes her question everything and she realizes she can do so much better than me? I need this to start now. I don’t want to wait another minute without her as my wife. All it’s going to do is give her time to think about why she shouldn’t be doing this. I mean, she’s Sophie fucking Moore. The woman can have anyone she wants and she’s going to settle for me?! Who am I, anyway?”
“You are Ryan Fucking Wilder!” I heard from behind me. There stood one of the many friends I’d met as Batwoman, Ava Sharpe. “You are the woman who took two different companies to new heights with her ability to find the right people for the job. You are the woman who has done everything in her power to turn Gotham into the city it once was and helped to save other Earths. You are freaking Batwoman! Sophie loves you. She’s loved you since she opened her eyes and saw all of you. She isn’t going to change her mind and I know you know that. So, I need you to breath, because I just heard that music start. Do you want the woman you love knowing what you’re thinking before you walk out that door and down the aisle? You know she can read you with a look.”
That made all of us laugh because if there was one person who could in fact read me with just one look, it was Sophie.
I inhaled deeply and then exhaled. It was time.
Looking at Iris, she simply said, “Forget about the noise in your head. Follow your heart.”
Nodding, I picked up my bouquet just as Anissa opened the door.
“Let’s go get you married.” She said with a smile.
“Let’s do this.” I replied as I walked out the door.
I don’t remember the walk down the aisle. All I remember is Sophie standing at the end of it, looking more amazing than I could ever remember seeing. I remember passing my bouquet to Iris and taking her hands in mine and getting lost in her almond eyes.
I don’t remember the words the officiant said, but when Sophie began to look at me questioningly, I realized, I’d zoned too far out.
“Huh?” I asked quietly.
Sophie shook her head slightly with a small chuckle before answering, “Your vows.”
“Oh! Right. I have them, yes.” I said, looking at the officiant.
“Whenever you’re ready, dear.” She said with a warm smile.
“Right!” I said as I looked back at Sophie. Taking a deep breath, I started, “Sophie. When were first met we were opposite side of everything. I mean, you were a cop and actually detained me and questioned me on a burglary so we were on literal opposite sides of the law in your mind, but as you started to be around more and we have gone through some really dark and scary times, I knew that I could, if nothing else, count on you to have the wellbeing of the people I cared about in mind. As the walls I’d built up to keep you at arm’s length came down, I knew you were one of the most incredible people I’d ever get to know. Why you agreed to go out with me, I’ll never really understand, but will forever be thankful for.
You became the one person I knew I could turn to when I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone. You became my best friend, my love and my hero. You show me everyday the strength of your soul and I am so glad that I’m the person who you turn to when the world is unkind and when things seem like there’s no way it can be better. I promise to always be your safe space, to hold your thoughts and feelings above all else and to protect you when you get too stubborn for anyone else to tell you that you need back up. I’ve loved you for longer than I can even tell you, and that will never change.”
I wiped away a tear that escaped her eyes as she smiled bigger than I could ever recall seeing.
“Sophie, whenever you’re ready.” The officiant said.
“Ryan.” Sophie began as she squeezed my hand. “You are, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me. I don’t think you know this, but I pray everyday that you will be safe from harm and that you will always come back to me, because I truly don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. You are the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I think about before I drift off to sleep.
You’ve shown me that family isn’t always who we are related to by blood, but family are those who stand with you, who fight for you and against you, when you’re wrong. I will always be thankful that you made it off that island and that we were able to be honest about what we mean to each other, because I don’t ever want to imagine my life without you. I know there’ll be fights, we’re both too stubborn to say otherwise, I know there will be times when I worry about you, but there will never be a time where my love for you will fade. If there is only one thing I could promise you today, it’s that you will always have me and my love for you. You will never be alone again, even when you want to be. You will always have someone who will put your wellbeing and your heart first.
I loved you when we had our first date at that fair. I loved you when you tried to cook me breakfast before I applied to the GCPD, even the meat products. I loved you when you carried my baby sister up to your old loft when she tried to out drink you. I loved you when fought with me about the right way to organize our closet, after you moved in, even if we didn’t talk for two days while you fought to be right. I could list every moment that made me realize I was in love you, but we’d spend the next few months in this spot, and I don’t think our guests would appreciate it, so I say this to finish, you are everything I’ve ever wanted and didn’t think existed. You will be who I fight for so that you know you are safe and seen in this world and that will never be a second thought because you are always the first thing on my mind, every second of every day.”
I was crying at this point, but I didn’t care. This was the love of my life, and we were starting a new chapter today.
“After that, I don’t think there is anything I could say more about the love you two share.” The officiant said, clearing her voice slightly before continuing, “So, Sophie Moore, do you take Ryan Wilder to be your wife?”
“I do.” Sophie said as she slid the ring Jordan handed to her onto my finger.
“Ryan Wilder, do you take Sophie Moore to be your wife?” the officiant asked.
“I do.” I said proudly as I slid the ring Iris handed to me onto her finger.
“Well then by the power vested in me by the city of Gotham, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss each other.” The officiant said and took a step back.
Kissing Sophie as her wife was absolutely my new favorite. Hearing the applause around us, we separated and turned to look at our loved ones. Smiling so wide, I knew my cheeks would hurt come tomorrow, I walked back down the aisle as a married woman. I just had to make it through the reception and then Sophie and I would be off to Greece for two weeks enjoying our honeymoon.
Time Skip – Two weeks later
Sophie POV
The last two weeks were amazing. There was little I thought about other than whether Ryan and I would leave our cliffside hotel and explore Athens or if we would spend the day lost in each other. The time away was a much-needed vacation for the both of us, but by the last few days, we were both ready to get back to doing what we loved to do, outside of each other.
Walking into my office at the GCPD headquarters, I laughed as I saw the banner hanging welcoming me back. I had made some very good friends since joining the force and it was moments like this that made me see the differences between the GCPD and the Crows. I could guess which of them was responsible for the sign, but seeing the folders stacked on my desk, I knew it would have to wait. It was time to pay for the two weeks off.
Shrugging out of my jacket, I placed it on the hook behind my door, before I moved to my desk and dived right in.
By the time I got to the last folder, my stomach grumbled reminding me that I hadn’t moved since I first got in that morning. Looking at the clock on my desk, I saw that I’d spent all day buried in case files and it was officially time for me to go home.
Signing the last page of the report I’d just written, I stood and stretched out my back, before grabbing my coat and turned off the light in my office. Closing the door, I walked smack dab into one of my friends, Rose.
“Finally came up for air, I see.” She said with a smile.
“Yeah, the stack of files definitely grew while I was gone.” I said letting it be known that I knew the squad had added to it.
“Well, you know how it goes when someone gets time off. We want you to feel welcomed back appropriately.” Rose said as she bumped into my shoulder.
“My hand surely feels welcome. I’ll be sending my massage bill to you all.” I said, playfully as I made my way to the door, waving at different shouts I heard on my way out.
“Sure, I’ll take Ryan out to lunch and that should cover it.” Rose said laughingly, knowing Ryan would be the person massaging my hand.
“You stay away from my wife.” I said strongly.
“Ha! I just wanted to hear you say it.” Rose said as we walked down the steps out front.
“Uh huh. Where are you going, anyway? I know you’re still on shift.” I asked as we walked towards my car.
“Figured I’d give you some cover, so the guys didn’t try and hold you up when I know you’re probably missing Ryan.” Rose said as she leaned against my car.
Reaching out, I squeezed her arm in thanks.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Cap.” Rose said as she turned around and headed back inside.
Shaking my head, I couldn’t help being thankful for there being another strong woman on my team. The fact she was married to a great woman meant she got me in a way most of my squad didn’t. I had missed Ryan today. Being buried in case files to sign off on kept me distracted since I knew she had work for both companies to catch up on, but I hoped she wouldn’t be too late tonight.
The drive home took only twenty minutes. The penthouse Ryan and I moved into had a great view of the city and was exactly halfway between both of our main offices. Parking quickly, I took out my phone to send her a quick text to see if she’d be too much longer and thought about what she’d want for dinner.
I was so focused on my phone; I didn’t notice the people in the lobby as I moved to our private elevator.
“Captain Wilder-Moore!” I heard from the guard station.
“Peter? I thought I told you to call me Sophie.” I said as I slowed to speak with the retired GCPD Sargent that was the main guard of our building.
“I know. It’s habit though.” Peter said, and though he was old enough to be my grandfather, I swear there was a slight blush whenever he spoke with me or Ryan.
“I get it completely. Was there something you needed?” I asked as he didn’t normally stop me when I came in.
“Oh. Yes, Sophie. There are a few guests waiting for you. They aren’t on your or Mrs. Wilder-Moore’s approved list, but they refused to leave until they spoke with you. Normally, I’d move them along, but well, they said they are your parents.” Peter said, sheepishly and gestured to the small waiting area, which was only really used for a drop off zone since those not on the approved lists of the tenants of the building were usually moved on quickly.
Sighing, I sent Ryan a quick text letting her know my parents had shown up before I smiled at Peter, “It’s fine. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Sophie. Let me know if you need anything.” Peter said, noticing my hesitation.
“I will.” I assured him before I crossed the lobby and stood near the chairs where my parents were waiting.
“You should speak with that guard. He’s been watching us like we would steal the lobby decorations.” My mother said when I was close enough to hear.
“I will not be speaking with him. Peter was doing his job for anyone who has not been vetted and approved by someone who owns a unit in this building.” I said as I leaned against one of the empty chairs across from them.
“And why wouldn’t you approve your parents to have access to your home?” My mother asked.
“Hmm … Why not, indeed? I haven’t spoken to either of you in over five years. I’m not even sure how you got this address.” I stated, plainly.
“We had to find out from your sister. You moved and didn’t even think to tell us? You’ve gotten remarried and we only find out after I saw the wedding invitation at Jordan’s apartment.” My mom said as she took the invitation out of her handbag. Looking at it, she continued, “You’d already been married by the time I saw it. How could you not invite us? I don’t even know this Ryan you married.”
“Again, it’s been five years. There is a lot about my life you haven’t been privy to. I didn’t invite you as the silence from you both since I came out, gave the very clear indication that you wanted nothing to do with me. As I met Ryan after that, you wouldn’t have been introduced.” I said as I crossed my arms trying to figure out why she was acting so hurt.
Like the last five years hadn’t happened and we were one big happy family.
“Well, of course we couldn’t speak while you were living that unthinkable lifestyle, but when you came to your senses and met this Ryan, you should have called. We would have welcomed you back, Sophie.” My mother stated.
I furrowed my brow in confusion. What was she talking about?
“What? Mom, I’m still gay. That hasn’t changed.” I advised.
“Of course, you aren’t. You got married to this Ryan. Obviously, you’ve come to your senses.” My mom said, waving the invitation.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled sharply. They thought Ryan was a man. Of course, that’s why she’s acting like this.
“Mom.” I started. “Ryan is …”
“Here!” I heard behind me.
Looking towards the entrance of our building, I saw Ryan moving quickly as she could in her pencil skirt and heels across the lobby and towards us.
She hurriedly put down her purse and laptop bag in the chair I was leaning against and pulled me into her arms.
“Are you okay? I was in a meeting when I saw your text and got out of there as fast I could.” Ryan explained as she pulled back slight to look up at me.
Leaning forward, I rested my forehead against hers. Never more grateful that she always knew when I needed her.
“I’m great now.” I said as I placed a kiss where I’d just been resting my head.
Keeping my arm around her, I turned to my parents. I could tell they weren’t expecting to see me so comfortable with another woman, but since they were here, I figured I’d introduce them and then Ryan and I could get on with our evening.
I never could have dreamed that I’d have to deal with my parents on our first full day back in the city.
“Mom, Dad, this is my wife, Ryan Wilder-Moore. Ry, these are my parents, Diane and Louis Moore.”
“It’s very nice to meet you both.” Ryan said with her charming smile. Even knowing that my parents, weren’t okay with my being gay, she reached her free hand out in greeting.
I watched as my mom simply stood from the chair, she’d been in. Dropping the invitation in her hand, she walked past Ryan’s outstretched hand and out of the door to our building. I saw the edges of her smile drop a little, but she turned to my dad with her hand still out.
You could have told me that my dad was a supervillain and I’d have believed you before I thought I’d ever see him cross the distance and place his hand in Ryan’s.
“Nice to meet you.” My father said shaking her hand.
He turned to look at me and said, “Looks like you finally found what you needed. Give me a call later this week and I’d like to schedule a dinner with you both and your sister.”
“Um …” I was too shocked to form real words.
“That would be great, Mr. Moore. I’ll get with Jordan, and we’ll figure out a time to meet.”
“Louis, please. You’ve married my daughter, that makes us family.” My dad said with a smile. He reached out to put one of his big hands on both our shoulders, “Please do. I look forward to getting to know you both. It seems like Jordan has kept more to herself than I gave her credit for these past years.”
“Dad …” I said, still in shock.
“Oh, don’t worry about your mother, I'll deal with her. I’ve missed you, light bug. I’m not going to let you go a second time.” He said as he moved forward and wrapped his arms around me and Ryan. “Now, I’d better go get her before she throws a tantrum in the parking lot.” He said with a smile. Giving us a final squeeze, he waved to Peter and made he way after my mom.
“What?” I said, watching him disappear through the door.
“It seems like one of your parents has come around, at least. I knew they would. No one can resist Sophie Moore for long.” Ryan said as she picked up her things and led me to our elevator. I’m not sure what I was expecting when she walked through those doors, but a chance to rebuild the relationship with my father wasn’t it.
"Sophie Wilder-Moore." I corrected, automatically as I placed a kiss on her temple.
I guess this was just another way she’d been a blessing in my life. I wasn’t going to get my hopes up, but I wasn’t going to count out the option of having, at least one of the people I’d missed back in my life.
If being with Ryan had taught me anything, it was that you don’t ever count out love winning.